Lab Director: Dr. Breanne Wylie

Breanne E. Wylie is an Assistant professor of lifespan developmental psychology in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University. She completed her Ph.D. (2022) in Lifespan Developmental Psychology at Brock University, in Canada. She then completed a two-year Banting postdoctoral fellowship at the Gould School of Law, University of Southern California.

Research interests: Dr. Wylie is a developmental psychologist who studies adult-child communication within a legal context. Specifically, she is interested in understanding and improving children’s developing ability to accurately report experiences when questioned by adults (e.g., lawyers, police officers, nurses, teachers, etc.). Her program of research uses a multi-methodological approach to address her research questions, using both laboratory (e.g., assessing children’s linguistic development and understanding of questions using child friendly tasks) and field-based (e.g., coding transcripts of child witness testimonies) methods.

Dr. Wylie’s work has important real-world implications! As a Research Associate for the Canadian Child Interviewing Research Team, she works works closely with practitioners in the field to understand evidence-based methods for improving children’s testimony on the stand and in forensic interviewing practices.

bewylie@ncsu.edu // Research Gate //Google Scholar 

Caleigh Vocke

Caleigh is a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science from Greensboro, North Carolina. She aims to become a forensic psychologist driven by both her interest and passion in how law and psychology intersect and how this can improve mental health resources available to incarcerated populations. She joined the Law and Development lab to gain hands-on experience in the field and insight on the importance of proper conduct in forensic interviews. Outside the lab, Caleigh is a peer mentor for incoming Psychology students and has enjoyed working with College Mentors for Kids as a General Manager. In her free time, she likes to exercise, go to coffee shops and hang out with family and friends. 

Kelsea Williams

Kelsea Williams is a senior with an interest in Industrial & Organizational Psychology and Developmental Psychology. Throughout her time at North Carolina State University, Kelsea has been involved in agricultural research and studied the effects of indoor plants on human function and well-being. In her junior year, she worked as an undergraduate learning assistant for a Positive Psychology course in which she gained practical experience in a classroom setting and assisted students in the learning process. Kelsea is now continuing her undergraduate research experience in the Law & Development Lab.

Kate Freeman

Introducing Kate Freeman, one of our research assistants! Kate is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and works at the NC State Libraries while pursuing post-baccalaureate studies in psychology. Her ultimate goal is to become a licensed mental health counselor, dedicated to both treating mental health challenges and improving therapeutic approaches through research. Kate is gaining experience working with kids and conducting psychological research through her work with the Law and Development lab. Outside the lab, Kate volunteers at the NC State Women’s Center, and enjoys helping her neighbor with 3rd grade math and reading, spending time outdoors, drawing, and running.

Ashley Murphy

Ashley is a Junior studying Psychology with minor studies in criminology at NC State! She has an interest in Forensic psychology and dark triad mental illnesses. Ashley has a passion for rehabilitation through mental health. Through the lab, she gains hands-on research experience within a forensic setting. Away from the lab, Ashley is a member of Best Buddies at NC State and volunteers with the Miracle League of the Triangle. She also teaches children yoga, dance, and fitness classes.